Window Replacement Plan 2018, Part 1: Can windows be replaced in the winter?

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Window Replacement Plan 2018, Part 1: Can windows be replaced in the winter?

February 12, 2018

For many homeowners, the thought of having to replace windows in the winter sends chills up their spines. It’s not just because of the cold, but because they think replacing their windows in El Paso will come with an array of extra problems due to the time of year. While replacing windows in the colder months does require a few extra plans, there are actually positives that can make winter a great time for window replacement for the prepared homeowner.

Over the next three months, we’ll take a look at how a well-thought-out replacement plan can help save time and money and prevent headaches when it comes to getting high-quality windows placed in your home.

People often become aware that they should consider window replacement in the winter. The blustery weather shows air leaks and other problem areas with existing windows, either through draftier rooms or higher power bills due to energy inefficiency from windows were leaks have yet to be identified.

Rather than sit back and wait for the spring to make a replacement, consider these benefits to replacing windows during the winter months and check out some ideas that will help service go smoothly:

Winter is a great time to diagnose your windows

Winter time can be a great opportunity to spot drafts or potential gaps in your current windows.

Chillier temperatures cause materials to contract, and may decrease performance. As a result, leaks, drafts or other problem areas may be easier to feel. Knowing which windows are problems can help determine which need to be replaced or repaired. This can help save both time and money over the long run when it comes to planning for window replacements.

Having your replacement windows added during the colder months also allows you to test the window installation too.

You can identify if your windows have needless drafts or leaks in a number of ways from the low-tech to the sophisticated. Especially if your home has older, single-paned windows, look for damaged glazing (the hard putty that keeps panes of glass in place) or weather-stripping. If that seal crumbles, your home will be vulnerable to heat loss.

Let technology make things easier. A non-contact infrared thermometer can detect ambient air temperatures at window and door frames. If excessive cold air is seeping into the house, you’ll see it registered on the thermometer.

Take advantage of energy efficiency sooner

A drafty window impacts your budget, especially in the winter. Getting your window replaced will not only make your room warmer for the rest of the winter, but you’ll reduce energy costs sooner, as well.

When planning to replace your windows, consider the future energy efficiency of your windows as it regards your region of the country. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends windows with both the correct solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) ratings (suited for your climate), and low U-factors. The U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer and suggests how well the window insulates. Windows with low heat transfer ratings will not only serve homeowners well during chilly months by keeping the heat in, but in summer months by reducing the amount of heat that transfers in from outside.

Different types of window frames, glazing and glass can also impact the energy efficiency of a window. Speak with the team at Pella of El Paso to better understand the exact benefits that different windows and glass choices bring to your section of the country.

Installation dates are more flexible in winter

Should you opt to replace your windows in the winter, you’ll likely find it more flexible to schedule an installation appointment. This can mean either planning a time to have your windows installed in the winter months or, if you still want to wait, getting ahead of the rush by booking a spring or summer installation date early. Planning your window installation early can help keep other projects on track and help ensure your windows are installed in the correct order with any other design plans.

Know what to expect for winter installations

Researching, buying and installing new windows can seem like a big task, but taking advantage of the proper windows is well worth it. Here are a few extra things to consider when replacing your windows in the winter:

Make sure you know the winter installation process from Pella of El Paso for Pella product installations. They’ll let you know how to best prepare for installation. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will make sure that you and the installer can work as easily as possible during the job.

Consider closing off the room where replacement windows are being installed to minimize temperature changes in the other areas of your home. This can be easily done by securing the door to the area where the window is being placed.
The “Pella Promise” means a “No Mess” guarantee when it comes time for placing your windows. That means pros who will leave the work area cleaner than they found it and haul away your replaced windows and doors. In the winter, that means extra protection that keeps warm air in and cold air out during the replacement process. Your installer will also offer guidance on how best to defend your room from the weather while work continues on your windows.

If your window installation is scheduled after (or during) a period of snowfall, make sure to keep the installation area clean of snow. Taking easy access into consideration as part of your winter window replacement plan will prevent headaches both on the day of installation and after it is completed.

The next part of your home design doesn’t need to be held up by weather. With a little bit of planning and the expert team at Pella of El Paso, you can take advantage of all the benefits that come with new windows regardless of the time of year. In future posts, we’ll be looking in further detail at the next points of your window replacement plan, including whether a replacement window or new window is right for your home, and a look at what to plan for on the day of installation service.

If you have any questions about the replacement window choices available, the process used during colder months, or anything else, don’t hesitate to call us at 915-833-3066.